A thorough yet efficient exam identifies most problems in school athletes

J Fam Pract. 2003 Feb;52(2):127-34.

Abstract

A complete medical history, preferably from the student and a parent, will reveal approximately 75% of problems affecting initial athletic participation. For asymptomatic athletes with no previous injuries, a 90-second screening musculoskeletal test will detect 90% of significant musculoskeletal injuries. A routine screening need not include noninvasive cardiac testing or laboratory tests such as urinalysis, blood count, chemistry profile, lipid profile, ferritin level, or spirometry.

MeSH terms

  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / epidemiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking / methods
  • Musculoskeletal System / injuries
  • Physical Examination* / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Schools
  • Sports*
  • United States
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnosis